Blog
Blog
Expected Immigration Policy Changes Under Biden-Harris
Over the weekend, media outlets announced Joe Biden as winner of the 2020 presidential election. Legalpad is here to help unpack what this means for employment-based immigration
Blog
USCIS Proposes Replacing H-1B Lottery With Wage-Based Selection
The Department of Homeland Security has proposed a restructuring of the H-1B lottery process, replacing the random lottery system with a wage-based selection process.
Policy Updates
Premium Processing Fees Raised By USCIS
USCIS announced on Friday that it will increase premium processing fees beginning on Monday, October 19, 2020 from $1,440 to $2,500 for all filings currently eligible for premium processing, except for H-2B or R-1 petitions.
Policy Updates
Dept Of Labor Raises H-1B Wage Requirements
The Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a new rule designed to make it much more expensive to employ certain categories of foreign workers.
Policy Updates
President Signs Act Expanding Premium Processing Offerings
The Act, to be implemented shortly, will permanently expanded USCIS' premium processing program for many employment-based categories, while also increasing the cost for many visa categories.
Policy Updates
Filing Changes Planned To Take Effect October 2 Will Not Take Place
A federal district court blocked USCIS filing fee hikes that were set to go into effect October 2, 2020, at least for the time being. The court issued a preliminary injunction that will prevent these changes from going into effect nationwide.
Resources
Visas During COVID-19
Answers to frequently asked questions from our office hours about COVID-19’s impact to USCIS processing and international travel. Updated as of September 15, 2020.
Policy Updates
Likely Increase In Wage Requirements For H-1B, E-3, H-1B1, and PERM
The Department of Labor (DOL) sent a rule that will increase H-1B, E-3, H-1B1, and PERM wage requirements to the Office of Management and Budget for review.
FAQs
F-1 Student FAQ – Fall 2020
Whether your university is fully remote, or you’re taking classes on campus, or a mix of both, the good news is that if you were on a valid F-1 as of March 9, 2020, you’re unaffected by the recent government orders.
Videos
F-1 Student Updates For Fall 2020
It was a rocky summer for F-1 students with many changes to their status. Whether you've already started your semester, or you're gearing up, here are some quick updates.
Policy Updates
Should You Concurrently File The I-140 and I-485?
Concurrent filing means filing the I-140 and I-485 together. This article will help you determine whether you should concurrently file or not.
Videos
You’re Approved: A series celebrating those seeking opportunity around the world.
A series celebrating those seeking opportunity around the world.
Policy Updates
O-1 Visa Stamping During The COVID-19 Pandemic
You may have options if your O-1 petition has been approved but you are outside the U.S. and unable to obtain the O-1 visa stamp because of COVID-19 restrictions. Several Legalpad customers were recently granted national interest exceptions to obtain their visa stamps and enter the U.S.
Videos
Sara Itucas Talks H-1B Visa Layoffs, Visa Stimulus Benefits [Video]
Legalpad co-founder and COO, Sara Itucas, talks with Stilt founder and CEO, Rohit Mittal, about H-1B visa layoffs, visa stimulus benefits, and more.
Policy Updates
U.S. House of Representatives Passes Bill To Expand Premium Processing Service
A bill has been unanimously passed by the House to expand premium processing service. Premium processing is an option for people to receive expedited review of their eligible applications and petitions filed with USCIS.
Policy Updates
USCIS Averts Furlough of Nearly 70% of Workforce
Great news! The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it will avert a furlough that was scheduled to begin August 31st that would cut nearly 70% of its workforce.
Visa Info
[Video] Legalpad Cofounder Sara Itucas Talks Visa Extension Rules on H-1B, F-1, OPT, H-4
Legalpad co-founder and COO Sara Itucas talks with Stilt CEO Rohit Mittal about updates to visa extension rules.
Policy Updates
USCIS Announces Second H-1B Lottery
USCIS will issue a second H-1B CAP lottery after not receive enough filings by June 20, 2020 to meet the annual 85,000 quota. Details are still to be release on how many additional H-1B registrations will be selected.
Videos
[Video] Sara Itucas Talks Visa Ban Updates With Stilt Inc
Legalpad co-founder and COO, Sara Itucas, talks with Stilt founder and CEO, Rohit Mittal, about recent visa restrictions and what can be done by those applying or looking to apply for visas in the coming months.
Policy Updates
USCIS Filing Fee Increases & Changes To Premium Processing
The USCIS has announced an increase in its filing fees, set to take effect on October 2, 2020. The adjustments come as part efforts to increase revenue due to a budgetary crisis.
Blog
Executive Order Ends Hong Kong Preferential Visa Policies
President Trump has signed an executive order on July 14 to end preferential immigration treatment for people born in Hong Kong.
Blog
USCIS May Furlough 13,400 Employees on August 3, 2020
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a dramatic drop in immigration filings with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), which is funded almost entirely by filing fees.
Blog
One Million International Students Must Leave US If Their Universities Moves Online-Only
F-1 Students Barred From Remaining In, Entering US If University Moves Online For Fall Semester, Says ICE
Blog
A Breakdown Of President Trump’s Presidential Proclamation
Today, President Trump signed a presidential proclamation that will go into effect at 12:01 am ET on June 24, 2020. Here are the high-level implications.
Blog
USCIS To Ease Back Into Premium Processing, At Least For Now
With much of America reopening in stages, the USCIS will resume many of its normal operations through the months of June and July.
Blog
RFE Rates Remain High For Employment-Based Non-Immigration Visas
O-1 initial approval rate declined from 90.8% in 2019, to 89% in the second quarter of 2020.
Blog
A Breakdown of President Trump’s Executive Order
On Monday, President Trump announced his plan to sign an executive order to temporarily suspend immigration into the United States amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Blog
USCIS suspends premium processing
USCIS has temporarily stopped taking requests for premium processing. Premium processing allows applicants to fast-track the visa application processing time to 15 days–for an additional fee of $1,440.
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